There are two main areas of doctoral-level degrees in education: a Ph.D., which focuses on research methodology for college or university instruction, or an EdD, which is more concerned with building skills and foundational knowledge to address organizational, leadership, and educational issues in real-world experiences.

The BLS lists the job outlook for these types of professionals at around 10% over the next 8 years, which is faster than average. The median annual salary is about $90,000 per year.

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Methodology:

These 20 Best Online Doctoral Degrees in Education Programs are offered by some of the most prestigious institutions in the world, in flexible and approachable formats, that sacrifice none of the excellent features of each program. The schools chosen were cross-referenced with other rankings and lists to ensure their credibility and popularity.

These below schools were chosen for several reasons that put them ahead of other distance education institutions, which included:

Student satisfaction according to acceptance and retention rates, as well as, recommendations from reliable academic resources,

Breadth of curricula and coursework; providing comprehensive Education training in all age groups and Special Education, in addition to, Education Administration & Leadership,

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JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Johns Hopkins University is one of the country’s premier academic institutions and has built a reputation that spans the world over. JHU offers a doctoral education program that is designed to prepare an exceptional corps of practitioner-scholars. Coursework sets the bar for transformational leadership in education through professional development and networking.

Campus Location: Baltimore, MD

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 11.4%

Retention Rate: 97%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current résumé or CV, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a completed disposition survey. All applicants must complete an admissions interview.

Sampling of Coursework:

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education

Mind, Brain, and Teaching

Urban Leadership

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates have the necessary knowledge, experience, and skill to build successful scholastic programs that nurture the development of young minds. Alumni utilize the best theories and practices available to approach complex issues involving students, teachers, and parents, and how to appropriately accommodate various learning styles.

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-LINCOLN

Program Standouts:
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a nationally recognized, research 1, land-grant institution that has been educating students for nearly a century and a half! The doctoral education curricula provide numerous and highly refined pathways through which one can earn an impressive and renowned online degree in this discipline—both degree programs offer additional specialization options.

Campus Location: Lincoln, NE

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education; Teacher Education Accreditation Council

Acceptance Rate: 23%

Retention Rate: 83.6%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, and GRE scores. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Educational Leadership and Higher Education

P-12 School Leadership

Degree Outcomes:
Students in this program undergo training to land the highest positions of responsibility in all types of school systems—elementary, high school, and college level programs. Having learned from experienced administrators, curriculum specialists, and college administrators, alumni have a dense network of colleagues and professors to rely on throughout their careers.

UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

Program Standouts:
Glowing student recommendations endorse the doctoral education programs from the University of the Cumberlands, as one of the most flexible, accommodating, and reputable degrees available. The coursework involves research, professional activity, public service, and implementation of the curriculum. The faculty extends their mastery level research and its application to strategic problem-solving.

Campus Location: Williamsburg, KY

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Retention Rate: 71.2%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a successfully completed background check, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.

Sampling of Coursework:

Administrative Leadership

Professional Research

Specialty Area

Degree Outcomes:
Depending on the area in which a student chooses to specialize their degree, they will end up in different areas of employment. The education applies to many different areas of learning, rather than just scholastic and academic areas. Graduates can go on to fill positions in businesses and organizations that support education-based programs.

NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
New Mexico State University offers two outstanding online doctoral degrees in education, both of which present unique ways to earn the highest diploma in this discipline. The Curriculum and Instruction program is designed to guide students in developing a sound theoretical background in the development of curricula. The Educational Leadership degree focuses on social justice and border issues and provides experiences in support practice.

Campus Location: Las Cruces, NM

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 69.6%

Retention Rate: 74%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, and at least three letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership

Degree Outcomes:
Despite their program of choice, these two degrees lead to superlative career paths that demand large amounts of responsibility and leadership capabilities. Graduates of either doctorate go on to design and guide academic institutions all across the world to greatness and success!

UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

Program Standouts:
The University of Arkansas is building a strong reputation as one of the country’s finest purveyors of online programs and offers graduate-level students a Doctor in Educational Leadership that has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report. The classroom is a rigorous and relevant experience that bridges theory and practice to respond to the needs of policymakers and practitioners.

Campus Location: Fayetteville, AR

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Acceptance Rate: 62%

Retention Rate: 82%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a current résumé or CV.

Sampling of Coursework:

Problems of Practice

Educational Policy and Change

Statistical Literacy for Educational Leaders

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this curricula exit the program to join an extensive network of K-16 partners throughout the state, including alumni in key leadership positions throughout the country. The coursework provides professional preparation for students pursuing careers as principals, administrators, supervisors, super indents, federal and state governmental agency officials, and more!

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Program Standouts:
The University of Florida is one of the finest and most popular online schools in the country and offers four unique doctoral degrees in education that provide outstanding resources and superlative coursework. UF Online has been included on innumerable lists and indexes of the best programs in America, and these education degrees provide rich and fulfilling academic experiences.

Campus Location: Gainesville, FL

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 38%

Retention Rate: 96%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Curriculum, Teaching, and Teacher Instruction

Educational Leadership

Educational Technology

Higher Education Administration

Degree Outcomes:
Depending on an individual’s program of choice, the coursework will lead them to various exciting positions of employment within school systems everywhere. Whether students are seeking a career in administration and management, or a stronger curriculum structure overall, these four degrees will give graduates the knowledge, experience, and prestige to enter into fantastic careers.

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Liberty University is another of the country’s most popular and successful distance education institutions. Offering coursework with a Christian foundation, LU has many different education degrees that explore the limits of the discipline in many different ways.

Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 20.2%

Retention Rate: 75%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, federal student aid documentation, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership

Doctor of Education

Degree Outcomes:
The classes in all three of these programs give students a great ethical base upon which to design and implement extensive educational programs in various areas of specialization and employment. Students of strong faith will find a supportive home at Liberty University in particular, and when they exit their program of choice, they remain a part of a nurturing community.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Texas A&M University is well-known and very popular with students and offers an online Doctor of Education that prepares students for direction in curriculum, instruction, and instructional assessment in P-12 environments. Emphasis is placed particularly on developing educational leadership knowledge and skills to expand mid-career individuals’ experiences.

Campus Location: College Station, TX

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Retention Rate: 90%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, GRE scores, departmental essays, a writing sample, and at least 3 letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Sampling of Coursework:

Educator as Learner

Qualitative Methods in Curriculum and Instruction

Grant Writing for Professional Development

Degree Outcomes:
This curriculum will drastically enhance the knowledge of current educators and will widen their opportunities to include leadership roles in school change and improvement initiatives, school or district curriculum leadership, professional development of colleagues, and other such areas that require a high level of power and responsibility within the system.

NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Northwest Nazarene University has been recognized for its distinction as a nonprofit comprehensive Christian university that has been educating students since 1913. Today, NNU offers a state-of-the-art online doctoral degree program in education with Christ-centered coursework.

Campus Location: Nampa, ID

Accreditation: National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 65.1%

Retention Rate: 83%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, three letters of recommendation, a completed Educational Leadership Evaluation Form, a 3-5 page statement of purpose, a writing sample, and a current resume or CV representing relevant work experience. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Doctor of Education

Degree Outcomes:
With a Ph.D. or an EdD from NNU, graduates have extensive knowledge and training for K-12, higher education, and educational research, which allows them to navigate their career path in the direction of their choosing. Both programs are focused in educational leadership, and alumni have the understanding to pass any certification examinations required within their state.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Program Standouts:
The University of Southern California is a well-respected online school that has received glowing recognition for its achievements in academia. The two education programs are unique in that they are centered more toward executive training and leadership, rather than scholastic education. These excellent programs include coursework focused on influencing systemic change in organization and businesses of all varieties.

Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges; Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 16.5%

Retention Rate: 96%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, and GRE or GMAT scores.

Program Options:

Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership

Doctor of Education in Global Executive

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from either one of these fantastic programs enter into positions of executive leadership. Coursework teaches students to motivate and supervise teams of employees and foster a supportive and profitable spirit within their place of business. Professionals like these are needed in an innumerable amount of areas throughout the job market.

BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Ball State University has been represented on a great many lists of the nation’s top online programs, and the Doctor in Educational Administration and Supervision provides high-quality instruction of state-of-the-art methods. Students can complete the challenging curriculum at their leisure and have access to outstanding support services.

Campus Location: Muncie, IN

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 59.9%

Retention Rate: 82%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a platform statement of educational philosophy and beliefs, a C.V., and five references.

Sampling of Coursework:

The Educational Administrator and Public Relations

Fiscal Management of Educational Agencies

Superintendent Internship

Degree Outcomes:
This curriculum prepares graduates to complete certification examinations for superintendency, however, the flexibility of the program aligns well with individual students’ needs. Alumni enter into positions of high responsibility within all levels of education systems everywhere.

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
This impressive online college offers four unique doctoral programs in education that explore the vastness of the discipline, providing successful methods for solving the myriad of challenges students will approach in the future. These strong programs are supported by brilliant faculty members who lead individuals into a wide variety of career paths in the highest level of education.

Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 48.8%

Retention Rate: 80%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA.

Program Options:

Curriculum and Instruction

Organizational Leadership

Reading Education

Special Education

Degree Outcomes:
Students exiting NSU enter into the educational system with various skills that apply to their particular field. Despite their concentration option, alumni are steeped in critical thinking, applied research, continuous improvement, and problem-solving. Alumni can rely on their alma mater for support throughout their professional careers through the Career Services Department, and the strong connections made through their program.

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

Program Standouts:
The University of Colorado Denver provides a rigorous online Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equity program that will strengthen a student’s knowledge of leadership in school systems. The curriculum provides contexts including P-20 schools, community colleges, public/private universities, and educational non-profits.

Campus Location: Denver, CO

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Retention Rate: 68%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, a CV representing five or more years of relevant work experience, a written statement, and three letters of recommendation.

Sampling of Coursework:

Equity and Diversity

Leadership and Learning

Specific Concentration Areas

Degree Outcomes:
This coursework is designed to enhance the knowledge of students with 5+ years of experience in a school environment. Individuals exit the program with highly sharpened techniques in educational leadership, and the school provides excellent networking opportunities.

NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Northcentral University is a highly reputed online school that has been recognized with innumerable awards and certificates. Offering both a Ph.D. and a Doctorate in Education, students learn either research or practical applications of the job. Each of the programs offers astounding opportunities in PK-12, postsecondary, and adult learning environments.

Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 61%

Retention Rate: 74%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, and a current résumé or CV.

Program Options:

Ph.D. in Education

Doctor of Education

Degree Outcomes:
Each of the programs offers 16 unique specialization options that vastly expand one’s scope and perspective in education. The doctoral degrees emphasize the learning experience in different ways that either allows students to enter into classrooms as educators, or to refine the education field in a more practical and theoretical way.

REGENT UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Regent University’s online programs are some of the most celebrated in America, and students can major in one of over a dozen different doctoral degrees in education that span a huge field of different specializations. The curricula are founded in the tenets of Christianity, so students can rely on an academic environment centered strongly around faith.

Campus Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education

Acceptance Rate: 36.5%

Retention Rate: 89%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, a writing sample, a current résumé, and an admissions survey. All applicants must complete an admissions interview.

Degree Outcomes:
The vast array of majors makes for a yet even more wide choice of career paths for Regent University alumni, all of whom possess the knowledge, skill, and fortitude to affect positive change in educational environments of all kinds. With a background in Christian-based education, graduates have the added benefit of entering into programs of a religious nature with greatness and aptitude.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Program Standouts:
This prestigious and globally renowned university offers two distinctive online programs in education: Nurse Education and Higher Education Administration, both highly specialized degrees. The programs offer various methods of delivery to meet individual students’ needs and schedules, while still providing the same excellent coursework.

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, AL

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Retention Rate: 86%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, a statement of purpose, a current résumé, contact information for recommenders, and admission test scores. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Instructional Leadership – Nurse Education

Higher Education Administration

Degree Outcomes:
Upon exiting the Nurse Education program, graduates will have the understanding to enter into educational and medical environments to teach various areas of the discipline. The Higher Education Administration prepares alumni for careers such as superintendent and otherwise high-ranking positions in the educational system.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOOMINGTON

Program Standouts:
The Indiana University System online is one of the most popular in the country, and the Bloomington campus offers two online doctor of education degree programs that rival nearly all others. The Instructional Systems Technology program applies research findings to build and test educational and training-based processes, products, and services. The Literacy, Culture, and Language Education program utilizes a holistic and integrative focus on preparing practitioner leaders in literacy and language.

Campus Location: Bloomington, IN

Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 78%

Retention Rate: 89%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Program Options:

Literacy, Culture, and Language Education

Instructional Systems Technology

Degree Outcomes:
These two very different programs send graduates on a variety of career paths. Instructional Systems Technology prepares leaders in instructional design, performance technology, and workplace learning and performance improvement. Literacy, Culture, and Language Education alumni become leaders in adult literature, ESL/EFL education, and various world languages.

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Sam Houston State University is a popular and supportive online school that is celebrated by U.S. News and World Report as one of the finest in 2017. The two educational programs are designed for students seeking administrative positions in schools, organizations, and businesses alike. Coursework is taught by talented and innovative faculty members through state-of-the-art learning technologies.

Campus Location: Huntsville, TX

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Retention Rate: 80%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.6 or higher, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a current résumé or CV, and GRE scores. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.

Program Options:

Developmental Education Administration In both programs, students gain an in-depth understanding of relevant theories and systems within several departments that encourage the success of their place of employment. Graduates have the ability to design and implement programs for businesses (I.T.) or for underprepared community college and university students (D.E.A.)

SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:
Southeastern University offers extensive, professional, and Christ-centered coursework to doctor of education students who are seeking positions of high responsibility and command within school districts of all levels, particularly Christian-based organizations and institutions. The coursework integrates principles of faith, learning, and service into the lives of students, and is taught by superlative faculty and staff members.

Campus Location: Lakeland, FL

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 43.9%

Retention Rate: 67%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current résumé or CV representing at least three years of relevant work experience, a Christian faith statement, two letters of recommendation, a background check, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as second language.

Sampling of Coursework:

Principles of Leadership and Ethics

Learning, Mentoring, and Cognition

Historical and Social Foundations of Organizations

Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from Southeastern’s Doctor of Education are prepared for careers including a superintendent, principal, curriculum specialist, Christian education director, business trainer, and more! The curriculum offers two concentration options that lead students on two very different career paths: either toward business and corporate education, or scholastic instructional design.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA

Program Standouts:
Each of the three doctors of education degrees at the University of West Georgia are designed for three distinct types of students. Two of the programs are centered around health education and teach students practices and theories based on nursing or counseling. The School Improvement coursework includes focuses on administration, instructional design, and a student-designed area of concentration.

Campus Location: Carrollton, GA

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Acceptance Rate: 48.6%

Retention Rate: 72%

Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, a successfully passed graduate entrance exam, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a current résumé or CV, and a personal essay.

Program Options:

Nursing Education

Professional Counseling and Supervision

School Improvement

Degree Outcomes:
Depending on their Doctor of Education program of choice, students will enter into vastly different areas of education. However, they are all equally as supported by a strong by UWG student and alumni resources. The intricate network of alumni, employers, and faculty members give individuals excellent access to their area of choice.